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Science Minister signals hi-tech expansion for Culham | 11/10/2018

Science Minister Sam Gyimah announced new Government investment in Culham's fusion research programme today on his visit to the site.

Mr Gyimah told staff of funding to extend Culham's Materials Research Facility to allow for increased lab space for experiments on materials for nuclear fusion and fission reactors.

The Minister also welcomed a new £3.6m academic partnership with the US in order to make the most of transatlantic research talent. The collaboration with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory will see CCFE post-doctoral researchers undertake extended visits to Princeton to work on areas of common interest in fusion science.

Culham Science Centre will welcome a range of new hi-tech and fusion-related businesses as part of a major expansion announced by Mr Gyimah. Currently, the existing on-site accommodation, which hosts approximately 60 tenants, including 20 start-ups, is full. The planned development – which is estimated to bring 200 new jobs – aims to cater for the increasing number of companies wanting to move to Culham.

Minister Gyimah addressed employees during his visit, and underlined the government's commitment to fusion research post-Brexit.

“From fusion energy, to software for driverless cars, to air-breathing rocket engines, this site is engineering some of the most exciting science in the world,” he said.

“The UK is an innovation powerhouse and with science and tech experts moving here, thriving here and growing their businesses here, it's a vote of confidence in UK science industry. We are committed to attracting and retaining both homegrown and international talent and will keep supporting international collaboration as we tackle the grand challenges of tomorrow and build a Britain fit for the future.”

“The visit was an opportunity to show the Minister how UKAEA's new research facilities will help to get fusion energy on the grid. Fusion could be the ultimate low-carbon energy source, but commercialising it entails overcoming challenges in physics, materials science, engineering and robotics. Recent government support is enabling Culham and the UK to be right at the centre of this world-changing technology.

“The Minister's announcement on site development is also excellent news. It means we can establish Culham as a home for hi-tech business in fusion and adjacent sectors and reinforce Oxfordshire's reputation for world-leading science."

Images

Top: Science Minister Sam Gyimah trying his hand on the remote handling technology at the European JET fusion experiment